The mission of the CFAR Basic Research Core is to establish an evolving research platform that (i) provides access and services to high-end technologies/methodologies such as cell sorting, analytical flow cytometry, imaging flow cytometry, ATAC-seq, RNA-seq or kinome analysis and (ii) that acts as a research incubator by facilitating contact/communication between non-HIV researchers and HIV researchers to initiate and support collaborative research. Access more information about these services using the links below or contact the core staff.

The UAB Comprehensive Flow Cytometry Core is a component of the new CFAR Basic Research Core and is comprised of two locations as a result of a consolidation between the flow cytometry cores of the Center for AIDS Research and the Comprehensive Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Autoimmunity Center. These locations include BBRB (Bevill Biomedical Research Building, room 557) and Shelby (Shelby Biomedical Research Building, room 271).

Our mission is to provide state-of-the-art cell sorting and analytical flow cytometry services to support research programs. The facility is made available to all Investigators at UAB and encourages collaborations and synergy. Specific services and equipment at each location are listed below. Most services are provided at either location. Training, consultation, assisted- and self-serve equipment usage is available.More Information

Starting as a centralized BSL2+ laboratory in 1989, over the years, the Virology Facility has evolved around two primary activities: (i) the provision of campus-wide laboratory infrastructure for BSL2+ research and (ii) the provision of services that facilitate the research adapted to the needs of our CFAR members. As users needs change, the Virology Facility is a component of the new CFAR Basic Research Core to continue access for BSL2+ research. Provision of access includes biosafety training and training in fundamental HIV methods. As users gain access to the BSL2+ facilities, the Virology Facility monitors ongoing operation to assure biological safety compliance as mandated by NIH guidelines and UAB Biosafety regulations.More Information

Housed within the new Basic Research Core, the UAB CFAR has initiated the ‘first of its kind’ CFAR HIV Transplant Tissue Procurement Facility for access to fresh samples procured from HIV+ donor bodies for research purposes. This Facility offers a novel approach to propel HIV vaccine, immunology and comorbidities research. Synergies between cores and the UAB Transplant Center are ongoing to provide access to these fresh tissues and cells. Instead of the transplant team flying to the location of the deceased donor to harvest organs, the deceased donors are being flown to Birmingham so the organs are harvested here. Once the donor organs are removed, other tissues / blood can be collected for research purposes. Since UAB is one of the sites performing HIV-HIV transplants (per the HOPE Act), our CFAR is able to collect large volume blood and occult tissues not otherwise available to be collected from both HIV+ and HIV- donors for research purposes. This programs offers great opportunity for novel research projects aimed at defining the mechanisms of development of co-morbid conditions and ‘accelerated aging’ in the HIV patient population. More Information